Former Hudson Council member John Jeffers remembered

Hudson mayor, fromer council members, friends look back on Jeffers' life

by Laura Freeman | ReporterPublished: April 16, 2014 12:00AM

Hudson -- He was an attorney, a Council member and a Marine.

John William Jeffers died April 11, 2014, after a brief illness. He had just received an award for 50 years of exemplary service to the Ohio legal community. Jeffers was an "Officer of the Court" and a managing partner at Weston Hurd, LLP, where he practiced until his retirement.

He served as a captain in the U. S. Marine Corps and was a sports enthusiast and active in the Hudson community.

Mr. Jeffers was appointed in August 2003 by City Council as the Ward 4 Council representative to fill the unexpired term of Leo Mehl and was elected by voters to the position in November 2003. Mr. Jeffers served nine years and retired from Council in December of 2012.

"John Jeffers served with passion and determination on the Hudson City Council for more than nine years," said Mayor William Currin. "He loved Hudson, especially the parks, and the citizens of Hudson. His pride, energy and outspokenness exemplified his service on Council as his way of giving back to his beloved community."

Mr. Jeffers served with many former and current Council members.

"I was so sad to hear about his passing," said State Rep. Kristina Roegner. "John Jeffers was an honorable, thoughtful and caring man. He was a true patriot to our country and a leader in our community. He will be missed."

She added she loved serving with him on City Council. He had a great sense of humor but also was very thoughtful and a deep intellect, she said.

"He was very respected," Roegner said. "When John Jeffers spoke, Council listened."

Former Council member George Roth said Mr. Jeffers was a good friend and a great guy.

"I'd have a weekly conversation with John, and he'd ask a lot of questions so he could make up his own mind once he had the details of what we [Council] were voting on," Roth said.

Mr. Jeffers will not only be missed by family and friends but his coworkers and constituents, Roth said. He always took the law and his constituents very seriously.

Former Council member Doug Hasbrouck said he got along very well with Mr. Jeffers and described him as "a breath of fresh air." He admired him and enjoyed serving with him on Council.

"He was a very capable guy," Hasbrouck said. "Always upbeat."

Mr. Jeffers was always involved in whatever there was in one way or another, Hasbrouck said. He was never a neutral standby.

"He was a good friend of mine, and I was a good friend of his," Hasbrouck said. "He was really friendly with me, and I really liked him."

Brian Daley also served with him on Council until 2007.

"John was a quiet leader, unassumingly helping the people of Hudson, and he will be greatly missed," Daley said. "He was fun to work with."

Council member Dan William said he sat next to Mr. Jeffers for Council meetings, and they worked together a lot.

"He was a good Council person and very patriotic. He loved his country and loved his Marines," Williams said. "He was an outstanding representative of the city of Hudson."

And even after he left Council, Williams said Mr. Jeffers would call him with suggestions and questions and he kept up to date on what was going on.

"It's a big loss not to have him to discuss things with," Williams said. "As far as city Council, we're the worse for him not being there."

"John will be missed," said Hal DeSaussure, Hudson City Council President. "John was an engaged and engaging personality on city Council and in this community. He had a unique ability to blend humor and insight to address difficult issues. The city is a better place because of his civic involvement. Personally, I will miss his wit and wisdom."

Council member William Wooldredge said Mr. Jeffers talked him into serving on Council.

"I remember playing tennis with him and sharing an egg omelet at Yours Truly," Wooldredge said. "He was a great guy and had a great sense of humor."

In memory of John Jeffers, Interim City Manager Scott Schroyer has order ed city flags to be flown at half-staff for 48 hours beginning at sunrise April 14.